Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has declared that the publication or broadcast of visual depictions of prophets and other revered religious personalities is impermissible under Islamic law, urging media organisations to avoid such content to preserve the sanctity of sacred figures.
The decision was made during a meeting of the council chaired by Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi, where members discussed a range of national, legal and public interest matters.
In a resolution issued after the meeting, the council stated that creating, publishing or disseminating images, visual representations or any content portraying prophets or other holy personalities is not permissible according to Islamic teachings. It said such material should be avoided to uphold the dignity, respect and reverence associated with these figures.
The council also welcomed the action taken by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in relation to the matter and called for legal proceedings against those found responsible for any violations.
According to the resolution, a responsible balance should be maintained between freedom of expression and respect for religious sensitivities. The council stressed that media outlets should exercise greater caution when publishing or broadcasting religious content.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the council recommended that media organisations strengthen their editorial oversight and introduce effective pre-publication review mechanisms. It said robust editorial checks would help ensure that content complies with legal and religious standards before being released to the public.
The meeting also considered various issues related to public welfare and legal affairs, with members approving several recommendations during the session.
The Council of Islamic Ideology serves as Pakistan’s constitutional advisory body on matters concerning whether laws and policies are consistent with Islamic principles. While its recommendations are not legally binding, they often contribute to public debate and policy discussions on religious and constitutional matters.